On May 22, Chisinau hosted the fourth meeting of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee that centered on the reforms in such areas as justice, corruption fighting, public administration, electoral system and freedom of the media. MEP Andi Cristea, co-chairman of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee, said the European Parliament recognizes the efforts made by the Government of Moldova to do the undertaken reforms.

On May 24, Sergiu Borozan was named director of the General Division of Architecture, Urbanism and Land Relations of Chisinau municipality as a result of a contest. Sergiu Borozan had held the post of chief architect of Chisinau municipality on an interim basis since last September.

Ex-MP Kirill Luchinski on May 25 was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the banking frauds committed at Banca de Economii, Banca Sociala and Unibank. According to the National Anticorruption Center, this and three representatives of a company are suspected of money laundering that resulted in considerable damage to the three banks.

In the evening of May 25, as a result of searches at the Chisinau City Hall and the home of Mayor of Chisinau municipality, Dorin Chirtoaca was arrested and remanded in custody on suspicion of influence peddling in the case of pay parking lots. One day later, he was indicted, while the Buiucani-based Chisinau Court issued a warrant to place Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca under house arrest for 30 days. Dorin Chirtoaca is accused of instructing deputy mayor of Chisinau Nistor Grozavu to sign the contract with EME Parkleitsysteme GmbH without the consent of the Chisinau Municipal Council. 13% of the revenues from the business were to be allotted to the mayor, while another 13% to the head of the Public Transport and Communications Division Igor Gamretski, who was also placed under house arrest.

The Liberal Party decided to abandon the government coalition formed in Parliament. The announcement was made by the party’s leader Mihai Ghimpu after the May 26 meeting of the National Council of the PL. The council was convoked following the arrest of the Liberal Party’s deputy chairman Dorin Chirtoaca, Mayor General of Chisinau municipality. According to Mihai Ghimpu, the participation by the PL in the ruling alliance cost the party a lot and affected its image.

Selection by Alina Marin, IPN